From: BigCat *meow* <usagi@cs.mcgill.ca>
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade
Subject: [VF2] BigCat's Lion FAQ v1.1
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 1996 23:50:02 -0500
BigCat (Jon Tanaka)'s Lion FAQ
==============================
Version 1.1...
- Added an Okizeme section
- Added the dodging attacks
- Tweaked up some combos and verifications on combos/m
Lion Rafale
^^^^^^^^^^^
Biodata
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of birth : 24th December 1979
Sex : Male
Blood type : AB
Height : 1.71 m
Weight : 61 kg
Job : High School student
Hobby : Collecting knives
Nationality : France
Fighting style : Toru-ken/Seven Stars Mantis Fist
...
What i'd actually like to do is:
1. a run over his moves
2. dodging and dodging attacks
3. the two "styles" of Lion
4. combos *grin*
5. Okizeme techniques
...
Just so you know:
P = Punch button ; K = Kick button ; G = Defense button
(the G is because D is taken for holding down)
u, d, f, b = tap up, down, forwards, back (respectively)
U, D, F, B = hold up, down, forwards, back
/ = diagonal, eg. d/f is tap down/forwards
FS = From standing ; FC = From crouching
...
1. Moves... actually, Alan's Lion FAQ covers this VERY nicely, but i'll
do it again, because i love to be redundant.
* PP combo: [P, P] (12+14 = 26pts damage)
* PPP combo: [P, P, P] (12+14+15 = 41pts damage)
* PK combo: [P, K] (12+30 = 42pts damage)
These three combos actually go together quite a bit, because they are
usually all used in the same circumstances. The main difference is that
PPP and PK both finish with knockdowns, neither of which can be followed
with a pounce. These are reliable counters for Knees, Single Palms (which
*aren't* preceded by crouch dashes), Heelkicks and other "barely
counterable moves" (ie. anything that can't be countered with a throw).
Although none of these allow a pounce, a DEEP PPP combo will allow a
swipe kick (d+K) float. So when deep, PPP, d+K is actually the best
reliable counter.
The PP combo should be used if you're not sure whether the move you've
just blocked is counterable or not. However, this is not exactly the
safest route, because if the move was not counterable, a crouch dash or d+P
will allow your opponent to avoid this combo entirely, and counter YOU
with a throw (*ouch*). The other reason for using this combo is to keep
your opponent on their feet, since there is no guaranteed pounce on any
of these combos. A clever opponent with a more energy may opt to stay on
the ground as long as possible (and mash the buttons to avoid a pounce,
should you decide to try that) to wind down the clock.
Delaying the K in a PK combo can sometimes also reward you with an
interrupt, and hence a pounce. It is often worth the trouble, especially
against aggressive characters. This is also very effective on
turntowards attacks. Most opponents duck and guard when you turn your
back, expecting a high attack to whiff or a low attack to be blocked.
When they try to "counter" your missed turntowards punches, they could be
greeted by your boot. *smile*
* Uppercut: [FS, d/f+P]
* + Down Swipe: [FS, d/f+P, P]
It is important to note that d/f+P, P is NOT always a combo. To the
best of my knowledge, it only combos if the Uppercut interrupted a move.
(Major Counter) ... i still don't have a verification on this.
While this uppercut is no Yoho, it is one of Lion's best moves. It
hits mid-level, is uncounterable, and comes out very quickly. Alone, it
serves as a great set-up move. First off, there is NO GUARANTEED
FOLLOWUP to this move. Your choice of follow-up should be based on your
knowledge of your opponent. A Knee, PK combo, Sidekick, Throw and Sweep
are ALL valid follow-ups. Against stronger players who would rather
avoid combos like -Knee, Pounce-, following up with a Frontal Face Grab
is often very effective... I got away with this WAY more than i should
have at the MoaT. Against the CPU, by the way, Uppercut then Knee hits
an awful lot more than it should.
It's also a marvelous follow-up to a Sidekick stagger... see the
combos section for that.
* Low punch/peck [d+P]
* Creeping Pecks [FC, d/f+P, P]
* Lunging Pecks [FS, d/b+P, P]
These are all the so-called "Harassment Pecks" that some Lion players use
to wittle down their opponents' life bars. All three are blocked low,
but all three are also (altho see below) uncounterable, and reversed at
different levels. They do between 8-12pts of damage each, so make sure
you hit a LOT of them, since the consequences of whiffing or getting
reversed are huge.
If Akira blocks both creeping pecks, an IMMEDIATE single palm will
land you on your butt. Since this is a Bad Thing (tm), you may want to
go easy on the pecks against the big guy. However, being just a little
bit slow means that you will be able to block it. Don't chance it, and
hold G right after you complete your pecks.
The Low punch is reversed low, the lunging pecks are reversed high,
and the creeping pecks are unreversable. It is, however, worth noting
that against Akira, he has about a 1/3 chance of guessing the level
right, but does about 5 times as much damage if he guesses the reversal
level right... *shrug* Food for thought.
* Thrusting Jab [f+G+P]
* Dodging Jab [b+P]
* High Kick [K]
Just as an aside, for clarity's sake, i'm calling the two-handed
thrusts "Jabs" and the one-handed thrusts "Pecks"... you'll notice
they're two completely different kinds of moves, in usage and effect.
Here are three moves you'd LOVE to hit people with. They do 30pts a
piece, and have a guaranteed pounce afterwards. Always do a high pounce
in this case, by the way. This basically means that they do 70pts if
they hit. This is the reason i've classified them together. Only the
High Kick is reversable (high, duh ;>...) and none are counterable.
Unfortunately, the Jabs are quite slow to come out, and are often
uneffective as counters. They all also hit high, which causes problems
if your opponent likes to crouch dash everywhere, instead of walking
straight legged like most normal human beings.
The Thrusting Jab recovers deceptively quickly. Although you are free
to roll your own combos, i find that Thrusting Jab - Handstand Kicks
works quite well, because of how fast the kicks come out, their
deceptive range and attack level. It also combos if the Jab hits, albeit
for less damage than a pounce (the handstand kicks basically kill all
chance of a pounce).
The Dodging Jab dodges some high and mid-level attacks. A general
rule is that it dodges short range mid-level attacks. Most notable of
these is Akira's Dashing Elbow, which is dodged, then countered. This
also works like a charm against standing elbows, and PK combos, if your
opponent isn't wary.
The High Kick comes out much more quickly than one would expect. It
also recovers quite quickly. In fact, i would venture to say that it is
sometimes a better counter than a throw. Against a slow recovery move
like Sarah's Punt-Side Kicks, High Kick-Pounce may just be a better
choice than a Face Grab against skilled opponents. Both do 70pts.
Against a good opponent, you will never hit a pounce after a Face Grab
(you can roll out of the way by tapping G), and attempting one could
have you eating a low rising kick (and maybe a pounce). As well, the
controls are MUCH easier. Of course, the Face Grab is stylish... but so
is hitting a high kick against a good opponent ;>
* Spinning Punch [u+P]
This move hits high in a closed stance (feet aligned), and mid-level in
an open stance (feet opposing)... just thought i'd fill you in. The
pounce is only guaranteed if it hit as an interrupt. You can tell by a
louder BISHing sound than the regular hit. This is not really a clever
move, since it takes forever to recover, but it has very long range, and
comes out quickly. There is a small region in which a P-combo will not
reach your opponent for a counter, but this spinning punch will... try
and find it... i have yet to ;>
* Hopping Downwards Thrust [u/f+P]... and [u/b+P]
Geez... there's gotta be a better name for them than that... Oh well.
Just for the record, don't do the u/b+P move... VERY BAD. Big-time
recovery time, and i've never seen it hit. I can't even think of any way
to get it to hit *shrug*
The other one, however, is the ultimate Okizeme attack :> Using it on
an opponent who is doing a low rising kick will crush them soundly,
likewise for an opponent who rises and remains guarding in a crouch.
This move is also a "bounce" move (like hopping hammers, and Kage's
Corkscrew Kick), meaning if you hit your opponent on the ground (ie. they
weren't hopping/jumping), they will "bounce" once when they hit the
ground the first time. This means an automatic pounce. Again, BIG 70pt
combo. For style points, d/f+G+K also combos... but does less damage...
but looks great!
Otherwise, tho, this move is not terribly effective, since it is
slllooooooowwwwww...
* Back leg trip [G+P]
* Long trip [d/f+G+P]
The back leg trip seems to me as just a punishment for missing your
throws ;> Use it if you want to flip your opponent when you finish them
off, but otherwise, it is a very difficult move to use in regular combat,
since it comes out slowly, can be reversed, and has no good follow-ups.
'Course, it /is/ uncounterable, so maybe there's potential someplace
*shrug* Lars suggests a Sweep (d+K+G) follow-up. For some reason, i
found that this hits a lot too.
The Long Trip is actually the staff of my repetoire. First, it is a
great initial attack (ie. how to begin an attack on your opponent)
because of it's long range, and because only Akira can reverse it. It is
uncounterable, and is an automatic knock-down. This also makes it a
great Okizeme attack. The greatest potential in this move lies in the
follow-up. Many considered this move to be an unreliable one, because a
pounce doesn't always hit... Here's the deal:
A low pounce will hit (if buffered) unless your opponent rolls (tap
G) /inwards/ (ie. towards you). If they try to Kip, sumersault away, roll
the wrong way, or just lie there, they will be hit. HOWEVER, if they do
roll inwards, you can get thrown... from behind (ouch). This is without
a doubt THE worst position to be in... big risk. *shrug* It's 50 very
easy points of damage to inflict. (20+30 for the pounce)... actually, it
may be more than 30pts, due to an interrupt... more details as i get 'em.
A high pounce will hit unless your opponent rolls inwards or (believe
or not) just lies there. Anything else and they will EAT a high pounce.
Again, i think this is more than the regular 40pts damage because of the
interrupt.
You can also jump over your opponent to get behind them using the
Lunging Poke (f, f+P). I'll go over this later.
Oh yeah... the bad news. If you whiff this move at close range, you
can be thrown (as if standing), but they have to be quick.
* Elbow [f+P]
This is a great move to add to your arsenal if you are a
harrassment-Lion. It has big range, is uncounterable, but unfortunately
has very few followups. It can also be done from crouching OR standing.
If you play a pecking Lion and like to mix up your pecks, you might
realize the importance of this... basically, this is important because
many of Lion's moves are specific to his posture. That is, some can only
be done from standing, others only from crouching. This is a safe way to
continue your "assault" and end up standing.
However, like the Long Trip, if you whiff, you can be thrown while you
are "pulling back"... again, tho, it takes a quick opponent.
* Lunging Poke [f, f+P]
Another great move... sort of. It is strong (40pts), uncounterable,
recovers quickly even if it whiffs, hits midlevel (sometimes) and allows
a pounce (sometimes). It only hits midlevel if you are in a closed
stance. It hits high otherwise. As far as a pounce goes, you are
guaranteed a pounce unless your opponent was crouching (blocking or
otherwise), with no interrupt. This, all in all, makes it a great
Okizeme move. Actually, if timed correctly, it can be used to counter
both a high and low rising kick. That is, as long as your opponent did a
rising kick, it will hit them, and also guarantee you a pounce.
The problem is that it comes out slowly. Some very nasty Akiras at
the MoaT confided in me that if an Akira expects this move, they will
listen for the "Huah!" cry from Lion, then unleash a Bodycheck. This is
a guaranteed interrupt, and could make you eat half or more of your
lifebar (*ouch*). Similarly, everyone else can feed you a PK combo if
they hear you coming. Next problem is that it is reversable, by Akira,
Kage and Pai. This can definitely be bad news if you rely on this move
too much, especially for Okizeme.
* Knee [f+K]
What can i say? This comes out slowly, is counterable, only hits high
and seldom floats for worthwhile combos. However, it can be used as a
sucker move like other people's knees. Try Knee, PK from midrange
sometime. A hit knee (if you knock down) also results in a guaranteed
pounce, no matter what the circumstances of the hit. Check the combos
section for nice knee combos.
* Rolling Kick [u/f+K]
This comes out slowly, people can see it coming from a mile away,
NEVER guarantees a pounce, and does piddly damage. It's decent for
keeping enemies at bay, and is a sucker move for SOME opponents:
If your opponent likes to throw, hit a shallow rolling kick (which you
can assume will be blocked). If they rush in for a throw, buffer a throw
of your own (Face Grab is good) and the kick's quick recovery time will
almost always assure you a throw. Otherwise, tho, it's not a good move,
since people can always use some midlevel counter and blast you :>
Here's the bad news... Like a lot of falling attacks, your opponent can
grab you if the attack whiffs. *huh?!* The millisecond you hit the floor
during the move, you can be grabbed. It's a very tiny window, but it's
possible. It's also possible after a lot of sacrifice moves... try it
out. Eg. Wolf's drop kick (u/f+K), Shun's sacrifice kick (b+K).
* Sidekick [d/f+K] or [D/F+K]
Staple move... you might want to ease up on it against Wolf, Pai and
Akira (so as not to get reversed). Hits midlevel, avoids low attacks in
the early stages of attack, staggers low blockers, is uncounterable,
recovers quickly, has deceptive range, interrupts well... it's just a
good move :> Try replacing it with an Elbow against Wolf to frustrate
reversal happy players.
If it knocks down (ie. interrupt), you have a guaranteed pounce. This
pounce MUST be buffered, however, if you interrupt a low attack. (ie.
they float low) Stagger followups, as well as floats, are dealt with in
the combo section.
* Low Swipe Kicks [d+K] or [d+K, K]
* + Hopping Fury! [d+K, G+K]
Another good harrassment move... however, a couple of notes worth
mentioning. If one whiffs, you can be crouch thrown rather easily. Do a
second, and you can be crouch thrown VERY easily, especially if blocked.
The second kick will not combo unless the first kick hit as an
interrupt. If this is the case, you are NOT guaranteed a pounce. If the
/second/ kick hit as an interrupt, you can pounce. While most experts
point two swipe kicks out as a fatal mistake, most good players take for
granted the fact that Lion will only do ONE swipe kick and sometimes get
interrupted by the second. As well, a sweep (d+G+K) comes out even
faster than a low swipe kick (whoa!)
Hopping Fury is my name, by the way :> It's a totally useless combo...
pretty much. I guess if you're really good at delaying, you could delay
it to the max and hope for an interrupt *shrug* it's a guaranteed pounce
if you hit it. As far as style points goes, the only way to COMBO this
move is to finish off your opponent with a Swipe Kick while they are
standing. Then, a quick G+K will combo Hopping Fury! *woo woo!*
* Sweep [d+G+K]
This move comes out VERY quickly, but never guarantees a pounce.
Instead, it should be used to set up an Okizeme attack, or if you need to
switch sides quickly, follow up with f, f+P to hop over your opponent.
If it is blocked, you are toast ;> You can be thrown as a counter...
which is not good.
* Lunging Spin Kick [f, f+G+K]
* Lunging Sweep [d/f+G+K]
Ouch... common moves for medium grade Lions since they operate like
Kage's Rolling Kick and Corkscrew Kick. However, both take a while to
come out (often resulting in a PK interrupt), and both are counterable
with a throw (or just about anything else). The only circumstance under
which a pounce is guaranteed is an interrupt.
One note worth mentioning. Off the opening bell, the "GO!" from the
announcer will actually muffle the sound attached to any attack done
right off the beginning. This means that when you do one of these
attacks, you _won't_ get the trademark Lion "Huah!" or "Heii!", so it
might be tougher for your opponent to guess and block the attack.
* Hopping Kick [u+K] (25pts) aka. Happy Dance :>
* + Dancing Kick [u+K, K] (30pts)
A single hopping kick avoids low attacks in the /late/ stages of its
attack, and guarantees a pounce. For this reason, it is seldom practical
to do a dancing kick, since it cannot be delayed long enough to see
whether the Hopping kick interrupts before executing. The Hopping Kick
is unreversable, making an adequate short range substitute for a sidekick
against reversing opponents. It can also be used as an Okizeme attack
against low rising kicks. The only way to guarantee hitting the Dancing
Kick is if the Hopping Kick interrupts high. After this, i don't think a
pounce is guaranteed, although it may be if buffered.
A single Hop Kick also recovers quite quickly and so may be used for
quick followup attacks. I often do HopKick - Turnaround HopKick. Other
suggestions include HopKick - Lunging Poke (from mid-range), and HopKick
- HopKick - Dancing Kick as a sucker move.
* Turnaround Punch [b, b+P] (14pts)
* Turnaround Kick [b, b+K] (30pts)
* Turnaround Hop Kick [b, b+G+K] (24pts)
Y'know, i think it's a cryin' shame that Lion doesn't have a mid-level
Turnaround attack... oh well. Anyhow, while all three of these moves are
valid attacks, i feel that only the kicks are worthwhile because the TA
punch doesn't float.... usually... i'll get back to that in the combo
section. If a TA Kick of any kind floats, these are, i find, the two
best follow-ups: Low Turntowards Kick, Pounce (30+40= 70pts)
Turntowards double punch, Kick (12+12+30= 54pts)
Frankly, i'm not sure whether that pounce is guaranteed. I also find
that the second is more useful, just in case the TA kick does not float.
This is especially good if you can delay the kick in the hopes of
interrupting a counter. Success will reward you with a pounce.
The bad news? If they duck under the TA attack, a quick G+P will give
them an automatic behind throw. This is also good to know if you ever
face a TA-player. Any TA move except the Shun-puri (Sarah's instant
turnaround: FC, b+K, G-cancel) and Kage's TA sweep can be so countered.
Another thing... turnaround kicks, in any way, shape or form (including
the PK combo) is counterable.
* Turntowards Backhand Swipe [PK, immediately after a turnaround attack]
This move doesn't have a nice name because it sucks *grin* It must be
comboed into a turnaround attack. Any efforts to use it after about 10
frames after you complete your turnaround attack will result in a
turntowards punch. It CANNOT be comboed into more punches or his
heelkick. It is a move in its own.
This move is like a backhand thrust. It's similar to the dodging jab,
in that he thrusts with the /back/ of his hand.. like a reverse palm
strike. The move takes quite a while to come out (it just screams out
"interrupt me!") and does about the same damage as a regular punch. It
only hits high, and, all in all, pretty much sucks. There's a way to
combo it into a turnaround hopping kick, but don't bother unless you're
showing off. *smile*
If anyone can find a use for it, email me... i'd love to hear it.
* Handstand Kicks [d, d+K] (24+24pts)
As you can see, this move hits twice. It has good range, and despite
it's appearance, hits low. Because it is two hits, it also had a long
"contact time", wherein you can hit the opponent. It also comes out very
quickly. This is about it, as far as /good/ characteristics go. It
takes FOREVER to recover, never allows a pounce, and is counterable with
a (standing) throw... with time to spare. It's not a bad move to finish
with, especially because of its decent damage, or in a deep float combo,
but is otherwise not so good.
Throws:
* Advancing Trip [G+P] (50pts)
* Single Leg Trip [b+P+K] (50pts)
* Launching Throw [f, f+G+P] (50pts)
* Front Face Grab [f -> b+G+P] (50pts)
* Piggyback attack [G+P, behind] (50pts)
NONE of these throws guarantee a pounce. In fact, for 4 of the 5, it
is actually dangerous to pounce. The sole exception is the Front Face
Grab, which allows a pounce, which will hit unless the opponent kips, or
rolls (tap G). In the case of a roll-out, the only way to successfully
counter you would be a low rising kick. When weighed against the chance
of inflicting 40 extra points of damage, this may not be a bad idea.
In case you're wondering, the motion for the Front Face Grab is forward,
semi-circle roll to back and P+G. One thing you'll want to make
ABSOLUTELY sure of is that you don't roll past back... not only will you
miss the throw, but you'll get the dreaded Back Hopping Downwards Thrust!!
See Turnaround attacks for something on throwing from behind.
...
Wow this is long... *whew*
...
DODGING AND DODGING ATTACKS
The Front Dodge (d/f+G)
This gets by most high and midlevel attacks. Its most effective use
is dodging sidekicks at the edge of their range. If the sidekick and
dodge commands are entered about simultaneously, a throw is guaranteed
for Lion (and can be buffered). Other attacks are less likely to be
countered with throws. However, one can dodge by Elbows, Dashing Elbows,
single high punches, single High kicks, and some other attacks.
Basically, unless you're either out to annoy your opponent, or you KNOW
when a sidekick is coming, don't use this dodge ;> ... this is mostly
because you can be thrown /while/ you are dodging... and you cannot throw
until after your dodge is completed.
If you manage do dodge a move (like a sidekick) DEEP, you will end up
beside them, facing the opposite direction as them... Kind of like in a
square dance, where you're ready to link arms and swing around :>
Anyhow, this is NOT a good position, as you cannot hit each other. What
i suggest is yet another dodge forwards. That way, you KNOW where you'll
be. Barring any really strange moves by your opponent, they will be
behind you, and a turnaround attack should be in range. Read the section
about turntowards attacks and take your pick... but remember... nothing
is guaranteed.
Oh yes... one more use of this is to evade the ever-dreaded Surprise
Exchange, Crouch Dash - Single Palm combo. After the SE, dodge
/forwards/ but away from Akira. Actually, doing a second will leave you
standing beside him, facing the same direction.
The Back Dodge (d/b+G)
This is useful for avoiding ringouts, annoying your opponents, keeping
away from opponents as the time winds down, and avoiding heelkicks. Off
the opening bell, this is often a wise move against Kage, Lau and Akira
in order to align the match along the longest line in the ring (across
the diagonal) to avoid ringouts. At a distance, continuous back dodges
will keep an opponent from running at you. They will only be able to do
repeated forward dashes. This move also ducks under heelkicks, and with
proper anticipation, allows a PK counter (although you're probably better
off just blocking it high).
Spinning CHOP! (tap G, f+P)
Ok... lemme just put my BIG disclaimer here. I didn't include the
dodging moves in my previous version because i don't feel they're useful
enough. Actually, that's a lie, i just forgot ;> They're great style
moves :>
The forward Dodge and Swipe (looks like Wolf's b+P ;>) comes out really
slowly. REALLY slowly. The good news is that after a very short period
at the beginning of execution, it will dodge a lot of attacks. The bad
news is that it recovers slowly too. In fact, i think if it hits without
an interrupt, your opponent actually has time to PK you afterwards.
(anyone have a confirmation of this?) In any case, if it's blocked, you
can be thrown... with time to spare.
The good news: if it hits as an interrupt, it knocks down... that's a
guaranteed pounce as well. *yay!* You can also create nice combos. I'll
add these into the combo section.
Dodging Trip (tap G, d/f+P)
This is THE cutest style move for Lion. Unfortunately, this pretty
much sums up its positive qualities. It takes some time to come out...
you could eat a sidekick interrupt. And because you fall sideways when
you get hit out of a dodging attack, a pounce (even a high one) is quite
inevitable. It also takes forever to recover. If it is blocked, you
WILL be thrown.
It does have positive qualities, tho... certainly more than the CHOP!
It always knocks down, but because of its horrible recovery time, you can
NEVER get a pounce... ever. It dodges MANY attacks, most notably elbows
of all kind, especially Akira's infamous Dashing Elbow. The advantage of
the dodging trip over a normal dodge to avoid the Dashing Elbow, however,
is that if you dodge it, you will ALWAYS get a trip. This can be useful
if Akira is putting pressure on you to ring you out, and is pressing with
many Dashing Elbows. (which /i/ shoulda thought of at the MoaT *sigh*)
As well, this changes the angle of attack by about 45 degrees or so, and
could give you the time to dodge and move yourself away from any ring out
danger.
...
The Two Styles of Lion (as i see it...)
1. The Pecker ... :>
No subtleties here... I'm sure most people have, at one point or
another, encountered the pecking Lion. This style is characterized by
many "Pecks", elbows, occasional sidekicks, and lots of throws. I
find that this style is well complemented with dodges, and what i call
"annoy combos", like PPP as a counter. While it does less damage than
PK, often the sheer length (time-wise) of the combo is irritating to your
opponent. Staple combos are things like Sidekick [stagger] PPP and
following up knockdowns with d+K, K instead of pounces. Because of the
powerful interrupting potential of pecking attacks, this style can be
very frustrating for opponents. However, this style is often stopped
cold by Pais and Akiras because of their reversals. As well, a skillful
Jeffrey or Wolf will crouch throw missed low punches and likewise punish
other mistakes. When you compare throws that do 80+ damage to the measly
10pts of Lion's pecks, the trade-off is difficult, and often opponents
with clear minds will prevail over pecking Lions. Another tool is the
frequent use of throws, especially f, f+G+P, for its ability to rush in
and throw quickly. This throw is especially important because it cannot
be reversed. The pecking Lion can also use lots of dodges, especially as
a tool of frustration.
2. "High Impact"
This is the Lion that i took into the MoaT, and basically the main
point of this FAQ. Instead of pecking attacks, this style of Lion
focuses on big combos, doing damage quickly, and rattling, instead of
irritating, your opponent. In this form, d+P is only used to avoid
standing throws, since it (1) represents a crouch throw threat (2)
doesn't do squat, damage-wise :> The trade-off is that this style is
VERY high risk, and you will usually win or lose within the first 10
seconds of the round... if you're doing it "right". (ie. the way /i/ do
it :>...)
This style focuses on the pounce. In the end, knockdowns must end in
a pounce, or do enough damage to justify foregoing a pounce. In this
style, moves like d+G+K; PPP; d+K [K] are seldom used because they
represent no concrete or consistent damage potential. Even PK is used
only for two reasons (1) it is the most reliable counter (2) it does its
damage *quickly*. Staple attacks are the Sidekick, Hop Kick, High Kick
(!), Long Trip, and throws. The first three guarantee pounces on
knockdowns. A sidekick stagger is also a valid way of setting up a
throw, although these, save the Face Grab, are secondary since they
forego a pounce. Also, the P+G throw is often preferred over others
because it does damage quickly. This Lion often crouches a lot in order
to P+G after every missed high attack.
TA Kick attacks are useful because they set up large floats. The
TurnTowards Double Punch-Kick combo is the most useful... it also looks
great :> TA Kick, TurnT low Kick is also acceptable, since a pounce
often follows.
The High Impact Lion is also marked by almost constant Okizeme
attacks. This is why PPP and PK attacks are not so valued. Okizeme is
most effective when the opponent is down, on an angle, and close by. In
fact, Long Trip - Short pounce sets up an almost perfect distance from
which to do your Okizeme attacks. Another popular move is to knock down,
then use f, f+P to hop over your opponent's body. If the rising Kick
comes too late, or if you are quick enough to take one forwards dash away
from your opponent, a Turntowards Low Kick - Pounce is a VERY high impact
technique. d+G+K is actually a useful move for setting up Okizeme attacks.
* Note... I'm VERY biased towards the High-Impact style. Please don't
take my word as law, as some people make better peckers than others ;>...
I personally just don't have the patience for it. *smile*
...
Combos:
PPP, Single Swipe Kick
... Good reliable combo. The PPP must start DEEP and then the kick is
guaranteed. This does more damage than a PK combo!
Sidekick [DEEP stagger], PPP, Single Swipe kick
... great one... works on pretty much everyone.
Sidekick [stagger], PK
... reliable, guaranteed, staple combo.
Sidekick [stagger], Uppercut, Pounce
... if the d/f+P is buffered, then the pounce is guaranteed.
Sidekick [stagger], throw
... not 100% reliable, but good against opponents who struggle out of
staggers.
Sidekick [DEEP stagger], Handstand Kicks
... also not 100%, but very reliable against strugglers. Damage is also
good.
Sidekick [stagger], Spinning Punch
... the CPU's favorite combo. Not guaranteed, no pounce... only for show
Sidekick [stagger], Elbow
... Sometimes you get lucky and get a pounce. Pretty reliable.
Sidekick [float], Uppercut, DownSwipe
... Good style combo, no pounce... akin to Jeffrey's Uppercut - Starfleet
Maneuver Combo :>
Sidekick [float], Uppercut *IMPORTANT*
... Unfortunately, the pounce is no longer guaranteed, in contrast to a
Sidekick [stagger] Uppercut combo. So be careful not to pounce
indiscriminantly.
Sidekick [high float], Sidekick.
... VERY good... only against Pai i think
Sidekick [high float], P, G-cancel, Pounce
... Again, very good damage, and only against light characters.
* note... i removed one punch because i don't think the pounce is
guaranteed with two punches... any verifications?
Sidekick [non-low float], low punch, Pounce
... Guaranteed... another good staple combo.
Sidekick [float], Dodging Trip. [d/f+K, G, d/f+P]
... VERY cool style combo, and kinda useful when the sidekick is
blocked. The dodging trip often evades the counter, and could
set up Okizeme. Unfortunately, the trip will whiff if you
stagger. This means you will be thrown.
Knee [high float], Knee, Pounce
... BIG combo... Pai/Sarah only, i think
Knee [deep float], Uppercut, Low punch, Pounce
... Saw it on Gamest... cool, eh? :>
Knee [high float], Long Sweep (d/f+G+K)
... Purely style combo... also a Gamest combo.
Knee --- actually, this is almost exactly identical to the sidekick
floats... see them for reference.
Downwards Hopping Swipe [bounce!], Lunging Sweep
(u/f+P, d/f+G+K)
... Big style combo :>
Turnaround HopKick [float], Turntowards Double Punch, Kick
(b, b+G+K, P, [pause!], K)
... My personal favorite :>... i think it shoulda been on the Gamest
Video *grin* It works on EVERYONE!
Turnaround HopKick [float], Turntowards dbl Punch, 2nd punch, pounce
(b, b+G+K, P, [pause], P, g-cancel, u+P)
Turnaround Kick [float], Turntowards dbl Punch (only the second hits!)
(b, b+K, P)
... This is important. Even on an interrupt, a turnaround Kick will
very seldom give you the height you need for a good combo. For
this particular combo, you might be able to slip in a low
swipe kick... i haven't tried it out.
If you can catch your opponent hopping, you can do this nice Lau
impression: Turnaround Punch [float], TT Double Punch, PP...
(b, b+P, P, pause, P, P)... that's 5 punches in all :>
Turntowards Hop Kick [float], PK.
(back turned, d+K, P, K)
... a good float off a turntowards Hop Kick will result in a
sidekick-like float. See that section for funky ideas :>
Spinning CHOP! [float], Sweep.
... This is yet another style combo... just looks nice to combo a
sweep. You should actually be doing a pounce.
... The CHOP! will give you a knee-like float. Refer to the Knee combos
section :>
...
OKIZEME TECHNIQUES
As you may or may not know, Okizeme refers to the style of keeping
your opponent on the ground. In this way, you gain a huge advantage by
getting your opponent onto the ground. This is highlighted by particular
pressure techniques, primarily made up of mid-level and low attacks meant
to knock your opponent back down moments after they get up.
* Initiators... these are moves which place you in especially good
positions to begin your "Oki Press" (short for Okizeme pressure). This
is because (1) They leave you close to your opponent (2) They place your
opponent in a position where their rising kicks are less effective
because (a) their bodies are positioned at a funny angle (b) they are
flat on their face... Here they are:
Sweep (d+G+K) Advancing Trip (P+G - throw)
Long trip (d/f+P+G) Back Leg Trip (b+P+K - throw)
Coincidentally, all these moves allow you to hop-over, using the
Lunging Poke (f, f+P) if your opponent doesn't roll quickly. The result
is that you are behind them (or at least, your back is turned to them).
If you're lucky, any rising kick they do will go flying off in some
godforsaken direction... that's always nice :>. In that case, do a
turntowards hop kick (d+K), and pounce. Otherwise, it might be wise to
take a step out, as your opponent may decide to take advantage or youur
exposed back.
Actually, almost any move is a good initiator to an Oki Press, but
these are especially good. BAD moves for initiators are the Torpedo
Throw (f, f+P+G) and the Face Grab, because they leave your opponent VERY
far from you. Other bad initiators are PPP, or any other unpounceable
move, as they often don't leave you with enough time to gain an
advantageous position.
* Advantageous Positions. What's an advantageous position? Any
position that you tried to get using an initiator. Face down at an angle
is usually too good to be true :> Face down is not so easy to accomplish
through your own actions (often you have to count on your opponent to
mess up ;>...), but at an angle is easy. The best way is to push into
their prone body (go right up against it) and dodge back (d/b+G). This
will place you at an angle that may cause some of their rising attacks to
miss entirely. This puts you in great position for...
* The Attack. There are guidelines for attacking moves in Oki...
Mid-level attacks are best, since they ignore whether an opponent is
standing or crouching, and go through a low block. Low level attacks are
great since they go through a high block and standers and crouchers, but
are seldom powerful enough to get you a pounce or significant damage.
Throws are great, but only work if your opponent blocks, or whiffs a high
rising attack. In general, Lion has some better Oki attacks:
HopKick (u+K) - this goes over low rising kicks (altho only for a
short period during his attack), ALWAYS gives a pounce (which is
important), but leaves you open for high rising kicks. Getting hit could
be no problem, but probably won't be... You can be floated for a PPPK
combo, or nailed with some high pounces.
Lunging Poke (f, f+P) - this can be timed to counter EITHER rising
kick. It will also almost always give you a pounce (see the move list
for specific cases). However, no one said your opponent HAD to do a
rising attack, and reversals can come aplenty if they can see it coming.
Long Trip (d/f+P+G) - this move ducks under high rising kicks,
sometimes interrupts low rising kicks, and hits low... what more could
you ask for? For pouncing details, see its section in the move list.
Hopping Kick (u/f, K) - there is a slight delay between the u/f and
the K, but you must still hit it while ascending. Otherwise, you'll get
the hopping trip, which is cute, but doesn't allow a pounce. This is
just an improved version of a HopKick. Try it once you get used to the
controls, as it usually does a better job of hopping low rising kicks.
... Anyhow, you get the idea. Attacks are centred around (1) doing LOTS
of damage (ie. fitting in a pounce) and (2) knocking your opponent down
and into a good Oki position.
* Knowing your enemy. All this is good and well, but research and
practice are essential. KNOW which of your enemy's rising kicks have
inherent weaknesses and play off of them. Akira, for instance, has
horrible rising kicks and very few ways to punish you if you are hit by
one (by virtue of a slow pounce and few float combos off his rising
kicks). The Bryants can pounce after almost any successful rising kick,
but have a couple of rising kicks that just scream out to be punished.
Shun is the ultimate rising kick guy, and Oki might not be the best way
to go against him. You get the idea...
----
AFTERWORD...
As usual, i'd love feedback. I'd just like to take this chance to thank
all those who bothered to write to me and tell me what i did wrong in the
first FAQ ;> I missed the CPU cheesing section again, but i don't think
anyone really cares about that. :> ... it's pretty much the same for all
characters anyhow. Anyhoo, shout-outs and thanks to:
Henry, Lars and Alan for their expertise...
Tristan, Lee, Dent and Noah for their constructive feedback...
and all of y'all who flooded my inbox with FAQ requests :> ... i
LOVE fan mail *grin*
Anyone who wants the old FAQ's written by Cleo Saulnier and Alan Tan can
write and request... i don't mind.
BigCat
usagi@cs.mcgill.ca